These are the two of the biggest and most important programs in college football, playing what is traditionally one of the biggest and most important games in college football – at least in some way – and now it’s taking a back seat to the War on I-4.

USF vs. UCF is the bigger Sunshine State game, but there’s still something to come out of this.

It’s Florida’s last game – it didn’t reschedule a cupcake after the Northern Colorado game was cancelled – while FSU rescheduled a game against ULM next week to keep bowl hopes alive.

But Florida can ruin all that with a win, or FSU can keep on going if it beats the Gators. For a young team that needs reps, the extra bowl practices matter for next year.

Again, it’s sad, but it should be competitive.

One Reason Why Florida Will Win

The defense hasn’t been that bad.

It melted down against Georgia and Missouri, but it’s been solid for most of the season on third downs and FSU can’t keep the chains moving in any way.

Dead last in the ACC and 123rd in the country in third down conversions, the Seminoles were fine against Delaware State, but for weeks it couldn’t move the ball a lick, converting 7-of-40 tries in a three-game stretch.

FSU scored 77 points on Delaware State last week, and it’s still dead last in the ACC in total offense averaging just 340 yards per game.

And there is the last game factor for Florida. There’s something to be said for playing the spoiler at home against a rival. Beating FSU wouldn’t make the season any better, but it would be a rare positive moment.

Speaking of bad offenses …

One Reason Why Florida State Will Win

There’s not going to be anything coming from the Florida passing game.

Syracuse was able to bomb away for 314 yards and two touchdowns – because that’s what Syracuse does – but no one else has ben able to throw with any consistency.

Clemson was held to 151 yards, and only the Orange have hit the 200-yard mark over the last five games. The run defense has been the issue – the Gators are going to pound and pound some more – but the UF O has failed to hit more than 50% of its passes in three of the last four games.

That’s not going to start now.

What’s Going To Happen

Whose offense will be worse?

Both teams have mediocre quarterback issues, both teams will run the ball well, and both teams will come up with big defensive performances.

It’ll come down to one or two big plays and defensive breakdowns, and since Florida isn’t getting those without luck, the team that still has something to play for will be just a wee bit less awful.